the aged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the aged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of elderly people. For example: "The aged need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of various illnesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Skip the aged.

The New Yorker

The aged emperor died on March 3 , 1707

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Jones doesn't lock the aged Chevy.

The New York Times - Travel

It was a line of the aged.

The New York Times - Sports

My favorite was the aged Edam.

The New York Times - Travel

We see the aged Carr fallibly recalling the experience.

The Guardian

She became a much loved advocate for the aged.

The New York Times

They reflect the prim neatness of the aged.

The New Yorker

It is for the aged, but is no ordinary poorhouse.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Grubman favors the steak. The aged sirloin is $66.95).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cuvee or the aged-in-oak 1995 in magnum.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about older people, be respectful and avoid using ageist language. "The aged" is generally acceptable, but consider more specific and person-centered language when possible.

Common error

Avoid portraying all older people as frail or dependent. Recognize the diversity within "the aged" and acknowledge individual differences in abilities and experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the aged" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a nominalization. It transforms the adjective "aged" into a noun by using the definite article "the", referring to elderly people as a collective group. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the aged" is a grammatically sound and relatively common noun phrase used to refer to elderly individuals as a collective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While acceptable in various contexts, it leans towards a more formal register and is frequently encountered in news media, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. When writing about elderly people, consider the context and audience to ensure the chosen term is respectful and accurate. Alternative terms like "the elderly" or "senior citizens" may be appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the elderly

Synonymous replacement, retaining similar formality.

elderly individuals

Replaces "aged" with "elderly" and "the" with "individuals", maintaining a similar level of formality.

aged persons

A formal variation, substituting "individuals" for "persons".

the seniors

A shorter, slightly less formal version of "senior citizens".

older generation

Shifts the focus to generational status rather than age itself.

senior citizens

A common and polite term for elderly people, emphasizing their status as citizens.

those of advanced years

A more formal and somewhat euphemistic way to refer to the elderly.

people of old age

Emphasizes the state of being old, rather than a specific group.

old people

A more direct and less formal alternative.

the graying population

Focuses on the demographic trend of an aging population.

FAQs

How can I use "the aged" in a sentence?

You can use "the aged" to refer to elderly people as a group. For example, "Healthcare services should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the aged."

What's a more respectful alternative to "the aged"?

Consider using terms like "older adults", "elderly individuals", or "senior citizens" as potentially more respectful alternatives. It's also often better to refer to specific individuals by name when possible.

Is it appropriate to use "the aged" in formal writing?

Yes, "the aged" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing elderly people as a group. However, consider the context and your audience to ensure it's the most appropriate term.

What's the difference between "the aged" and "the elderly"?

Both "the aged" and "the elderly" are used to refer to older people. They are largely interchangeable, although "the elderly" may be slightly more common in contemporary usage.